Our Lady of Lincoln Catholic Primary School A Voluntary Academy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 139622 Inspection date 29/09/2009 Inspector Patricia Ann Edward

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1992. She lives with her adult daughter in the London Borough of Sutton. All areas of the ground floor and first floor master bedroom and bathroom are areas of the property used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have two cats as household pets. The childminder takes children to toddler groups, local parks, and the library.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, and may care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently caring for four children on a part-time basis, two of whom are in the early years age range and two are over five years.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides effectively for children in her care, ensuring that they are happy and make progress in their learning. The childminder's policies and procedures promote inclusive practice, with the childminder working closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. A good range of documentation is in place to support her practice, although there is a weakness with regard to some safety records. The childminder has a positive attitude towards continuous improvement and has been proactive in continuing with her professional development. She has put in place an observation and planning system, although this is not yet fully developed. Her partnership with parents and other professionals is a particular strength and consequently, they feel welcome and well-informed. The childminder has began to self-evaluate her provision.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 make further use of observations of children's development to plan learning experiences that meet children's next steps, interests and individual needs  ensure written risk assessment include dates for review  continue to develop self-evaluation procedures to help identify the setting's priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of most aspects of safeguarding children. She is confident in her knowledge of the signs and symptoms in all areas of abuse and is fully aware of procedures to follow if concerns are raised. For example, existing injuries would be recorded and signed by parents and she has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 local authority contact numbers. As a result, children are protected well. However, she is less secure in her knowledge of government procedures as detailed in 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused'. All adults living on the premises have been vetted. The childminder has all the necessary policies and procedures in place and her records are well maintained. Resources are effectively arranged and organised, creating enabling environments for children to play and learn. Children are confident and independent learners because they have easy access to low level

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the early years provision

furniture and a wide range and variety of exciting toys and play materials, strongly supporting their interests, enjoyment and achievement.

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the early years provision

The childminder is particularly keen to develop her own skills through attending training courses and has completed a number of courses since her last inspection such as first aid, a tax and insurance workshop, promoting learning and development in the early years and a one year certificate in Early Years Foundation Stage Practice-Level 3. She has began to implement a written system to self evaluate her own practice and is aware of her areas of strength. However, she is not as skilled is evaluating her areas of development to bring about effective continuous improvement.

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the early years provision

Sound improvement has been made since the previous inspection with the majority of the recommendations raised being fully addressed, resulting in improved outcomes for children. Children's safety and welfare in the event of an emergency or illness have been improved. The childminder has implemented individual learning and development records for children, that are shared with parents'. However, next steps for children's learning are not recorded and do not fully inform planning, to ensure children are constantly challenged.

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures children's safety through completing written risk assessments of the home, the garden and regular outings that they take part in. However, written risk assessments do not include dates for review. She has developed good relationships with parents, which benefits the children. Verbal exchange of information is shared with parents each day. Settling in procedures are tailored to suit the individual child and family and this helps the childminder to get to know them extremely well. Parents have access to all the childminder's policies and procedures. They are also encouraged to look through children's individual learning files which include children's work and written observations, which demonstrate how well their child is progressing.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very well supported in their learning through the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Regular observations and assessments are made by the childminder. However, information obtained from these are not used effectively to inform planning to ensure that the children are consistently moving on to the next steps in their learning and development. The childminder does none the less have a good knowledge of each child's learning needs. The warm and caring relationship that has been established This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with the children ensures that all feel happy and secure. The childminder provides a good range of activities to further develop children's interests. The well organised home offers children plenty of space in which to play, and they have easy access to good quality toys and resources. The childminder works closely with

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and outcomes for children

parents to find out about children's individual interests and abilities.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to learn and understand the need to keep safe as they regularly practise the emergency evacuation procedure. They talk about road safety through the use of the Green Cross Code safety pack. Children learn about good hygiene practices and are encouraged to clean their hands, after using the toilet, before meals and after touching pet cats. They are developing a good understanding of healthy eating through discussion and activities. Children help pick tomatoes in the garden for lunch and tea times. The childminder ensures the children are offered healthy and nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. Children behave well and they are leaning good manners, through being encouraged to say please and thank you. They are also able to share resources when playing together.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from a good balance of planned and free play activities that covers all areas of their learning. They are confident, inquisitive and relish their time spent with the childminder, who is committed to providing the best quality care and education for all children. Children enjoy activities such as role play, art and craft and looking at books. They have daily opportunities to benefit from fresh air and exercise through playing in the garden and going out for walks. Parents are welcomed and are kept fully informed about their child's learning and development. They are consulted by the childminder when their child first starts, to find out about the child's interests and needs, and this is ongoing throughout the child's time with the childminder. The childminder supports children well, enabling them to take a full part in activities and develop their independence. She effectively identifies and meets children's individual needs and works closely with

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and outcomes for children

parents and other carers to ensure that the children's progress is shared. She has a positive attitude towards diversity which is reflected in the resources, which are part of integral play materials. Children's understanding of the wider world is generally reinforced through them acknowledging a number of festivals throughout the year, which includes Christmas, Chinese New Year and Easter. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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